UFC NEWS: Randy Couture vs. Lyoto Machida reportedly a "done deal" for UFC 129
By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture will indeed make at least one more appearance in the Octagon, as MMAFighting.com reports that his rumored bout with Lyoto Machida at UFC 129 in April is a "done deal." The confirmation comes courtesy of UFC President Dana White, who confirmed the booking of the fight for the UFC's first ever event in Toronto. Couture is riding a three fight win streak heading into this bout, with his most recent fight being a first round submission victory over professional boxer James Toney at UFC 118. The 47-year-old then appeared en route to retirement from the sport with a burgeoning film career taking much of his time at the turn of the year, but the prospects of fighting Machida is keeping him around. Machida is out to halt a two fight losing streak. After beginning his career with a 16-0 mark, capturing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in the process, Machida was knocked out last May by Mauricio "Shogun" Rua. In his return at UFC 123 in November, Machida dropped a split decision to fellow former Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. UFC 129 takes place from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, headlined by the Welterweight Championship bout between Georges St. Pierre and Jake Shields. Link to Original Source Article Penick's Analysis: I don't know how much Couture's got left to offer Machida in this fight, but he's proven time and time again throughout his career that he can't be counted out. It's going to be a huge co-main event in Toronto, and this card overall is looking really good. Machida is in an absolute must-win position after consecutive losses. It's not like he'll be cut or anything like that, but a three fight losing streak would take him far away from a return to a title shot in the division. [Randy Couture art by Cory Gould (c) MMATorch.com]
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Source: http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_8155.shtml
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